Former CIA officer pushes situational awareness amid Coastal Georgia shootings

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) -After the July 4 weekend shooting on Hilton Head’s Coligny Beach and other recent high-profile shootings across the region, a former CIA officer says surviving a critical incident often comes down to seconds — and decisions made before anyone ever arrives at an event.

Matt Osborne, a former CIA officer and U.S. Concealed Carry Association-certified instructor, said the public can’t control every threat, but can control preparation and awareness.

“It’s unquestionable that things are getting worse. Our society is getting a little bit crazier. We are seeing a lot more just violence in general,” Osborne said. “But what we always counsel is, go out and live your life, be safe, have fun, but have a plan.”

Osborne’s comments come as communities continue to process multiple shootings in crowded public spaces, including the Coligny Beach shooting on Hilton Head where authorities said seven people were shot during a fight over the holiday weekend.

Osborne said the “tips and tools” he learned while working undercover overseas translate to everyday life at places like malls, movie theaters and beaches.

“It’s being aware of your surroundings,” Osborne said.

He said planning should start before leaving home — talking with family or friends, choosing a meeting place in case people get separated and agreeing on how to communicate if something goes wrong. “It’s a very small chance that something bad would happen, but that chance is not zero,” Osborne said.

Osborne said USCCA teaches members to rely on short acronyms in high-stress moments.

One is “ASK” — avoid danger, save lives and keep loved ones safe — a reminder, he said, that the first priority is getting away from trouble and protecting the people with you.

Another is “SAFE” — see the danger, assess the threat, find a safe place and control your emotions — which he said can help people stay focused, make clearer decisions and avoid escalating a dangerous situation.

Osborne said situational awareness does not mean “living on edge,” but paying attention to what feels out of place, including rising voices, agitated body language and people’s hands.

If a situation escalates into gunfire, Osborne said people should not waste time trying to figure out what is happening — or stop to record video or be a hero.

“You need to get out of there. The best fight are the ones you’re not in.,” he said. “You need to listen to that sixth sense. If something makes you feel uncomfortable, pay attention to that … extricate yourself from that situation and stay safe above all.”